BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH EDUCATION

EMPLOYERS

Local, state, and federal government Nonprofit organizations such as: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association Community mental health centers Local health departments Corporate wellness programs Fitness facilities Schools Colleges and universities Hospitals Research and development firms International health agencies

STRATEGIES

Become familiar with grant writing techniques and grant submission procedures.

Supplement curriculum with relevant coursework in social work, sociology, psychology, English, journalism, or public relations. Volunteer to gain experience and develop expertise in a particular area or organization. Learn to work well with diverse populations. Get credentialed as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Become involved in health programming on campus. Obtain part-time or summer job with campus health center or wellness coordinator. Develop strong public speaking and presentation skills.

STRATEGIES

Supplement undergraduate curriculum with courses in business. Earn a master’s degree in Public Health, Business, or a related field. Gain experience through internships and other work experiences. Develop strong computer and technology skills. For positions in lobbying and legislation, some will earn a law degree. Join related professional organizations and build a network of contacts.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

EMPLOYERS

Local, state, and federal public health departments Government agencies such as: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Armed services World Health Organization (WHO) Private research foundations Pharmaceutical industry Nonprofit organizations

STRATEGIES

Develop a solid background in the biological sciences and mathematics. Gain experience with research.

Volunteer to assist professors with research or apply for summer research programs. Find a topic of interest and gain as much knowledge and experience in that area. Earn a master's or doctoral degree in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, or a related field.

STRATEGIES

Hone skills and interest in mathematics and statistics. Develop strong computing and technology skills. Get involved with research and gain as much experience as possible.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

Social and Economic Development Health Policy Demography Women’s Health Children’s Health Design of Healthcare Systems Disease Prevention and Control

EMPLOYERS

International organizations such as: World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Bank Bilateral government development agencies such as: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Public Health Service, Office of International Health Peace Corps Nonprofit organizations such as: International Red Cross, CARE, Doctors Without Borders

STRATEGIES

Learn one or more foreign languages.

Study or intern abroad.

Learn to adapt to cultural and racial diversity.

Be willing to live and work in third world nations.

GENERAL INFORMATION Public health is a broad, multi-disciplinary field. Other specialties within public health include areas such as: women’s health, children’s health, nutrition, bioterrorism, gerontology, and veterinary public health.

A bachelor’s degree opens the door for entry level opportunities in areas such as health education and promotion and environmental health.

A doctoral degree is required to reach the highest levels of administration or research and for university teaching positions.

Many opportunities in public health exist with government agencies especially: The Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Become familiar with government hiring procedures. Obtain a government internship in area of interest.

Develop a specialty area of interest via supplemental coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.

Cultivate personal characteristics such as enthusiasm, dedication, and a positive attitude. Maintain and demonstrate a personal commitment to healthy living.

Writing, research, and presentation skills are critical in most career fields related to public health.

Gain experience working with diverse populations across diverse settings. Learn to work well with others individually and in groups.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer